cruciate
Americanadjective
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shaped like a cross; cross-shaped.
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Botany. having the form of a cross with equal arms, as the flowers of mustard.
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Entomology. crossing diagonally when at rest, as the wings of certain insects.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cruciate
1675–85; < New Latin cruciātus, equivalent to Latin cruci- (stem of crux ) cross + -ātus -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, Leonard tore his anterior cruciate ligament during that run and left L.A. and the NBA wondering “What if?” — the everlasting theme of Steve Ballmer’s ownership of the Clippers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
The injury, a torn anterior cruciate ligament, not only derailed a possible title run that season, but also upended the Trojans’ trajectory for the next one.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
He played in only four games last season at Kentucky because the team was being cautious following knee surgery after he tore an anterior cruciate ligament when he played at Arizona State.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026
He won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 although he struggled with injuries since he suffered a cruciate ligament tear in September 2024.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
When the doctor opened the knee up he discovered that Boobie had torn the anterior cruciate ligament.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
